Seruwawila is the sole Sri Lankan shrine housing the Buddha's sacred forehead relic, built by a king who fulfilled an ancient prophecy through diplomacy rather than war to secure this remote coastal site.

Why visit Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya

• Shrine of the Sacred Forehead Relic: The temple enshrines the sacred forehead bone of Lord Buddha. It's the only known site to house this particular relic.
• Historic Prophecy: This temple's construction fulfilled an ancient prophecy. The prophecy foretold that King Kavantissa would enshrine the sacred forehead relic at this precise location.
• Dhamma-Vijaya (Conquest by Righteousness): King Kavantissa built this stupa to achieve peace. He used a religious strategy, avoiding military conflict with local rulers.
• Archaeological Rarity: It features four carved stone guardstones at the stupa terrace. This is a unique feature not found in any other Sri Lankan temple.
• Location and Natural History: The temple is near a large, ancient lake. The name 'Seruwila' derives from a nearby lake called 'Seru,' referenced in the ancient prophecy about the relic's enshrinement — some sources also connect it to 'Seru' (a type of rice) and 'Wila' (paddy field), reflecting the area's agricultural history.